LPNs needed for the Medical Surgical unit at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD

National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
Licensed Practical Nurse Services
 
Please forward resume to:
Linda Litzenberg
OMV Medical, Inc.
800-773-3105- toll free
301.576.5746- fax
 recruiting@omvmedical.com

  
LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE
 
Have graduated from a Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse Program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
 
Possess a current, unrestricted license to practice as an LVN/LPN in any one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
 
Prior to commencing service under this contract, Licensed Practical (Vocational) nurses must attend a 2-hour lecture on IV certification. Contractor nurses must then obtain certifications (e.g., IV, medications and blood administration) in accordance with clinic nursing service and command policy not later than 60 days after commencement of services, including MTF observation of three completed IV sticks.
 
 and the following additional requirements:
  
Must have at least one full year of inpatient hospital nursing care experience on a medical or surgical unit in the past 2 (two) years.  Nursing home experience is not an acceptable substitute for inpatient hospital nursing care.
  
Possess current clinical competency, as defined in section 5  in the clinical discipline required by this contract (e.g., physician, RN, dentist).  Officials from the medical treatment facility (MTF) where  contract services will be performed will exercise their medical judgment when assessing whether the HCW’s professional skill set and clinical practice history satisfy the indicia of current clinical competency that are specified in this instruction.  To enable this assessment to be made, the HCW shall submit two letters of recommendation from supervisors attesting to personal clinical experience and professional skills as a practitioner in the HCW’s discipline.  These letters must be dated and shall include the name, title, phone number, address and signature of the individual providing the reference.  The letters must have been written within the 2 years preceding.  
  
Pertinent skills that the LPN must have prior to employment include: proficient in patient assessment skills, venipuncture, medication administration, basic computer skills (including use of the Internet, Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Word) and good usage and comprehension of the English language. 
 
Staffing and scheduling
  
National Naval Medical Center Bethesda operates 365 days per year (366 days during leap years), 24 hours a day. Shift times consist of twelve (12) hours shifts to include an uncompensated forty five (45) minute break  as the work schedule allows as specified in the matrix outlined in paragraph 4.b. below. The health care worker shall arrive for each scheduled shift in a well rested condition and shall have had at least six hours of rest from all other duties as a Licensed Practical Nurse, in any setting immediately prior to reporting for the shift. Health care workers shall normally work no more than 40 hours per week. EXCEPTIONS: Upon mutual agreement between the COR and the Contractor, the health care worker may be allowed to work four (4) consecutive twelve (12) hour shifts with a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours off before or after the consecutive shifts. The Government and the HCW shall agree to extend these hours as necessary to ensure completeness of emergency care in progress prior to the close of the contractor employee's duty hours. HCWs will follow emergency/essential personnel (as provided to federal government employees) instructions during inclement weather, disasters or other emergencies.  Essential personnel paperwork to be completed and updated on a yearly basis.
 
The HCWs will complete orientation with NNMC staff on three day shifts within the first 30 days of employment.  Further, the HCWs must have completed all computer training and received access codes prior to being scheduled for unit orientation.  HCWs must attend mandatory inservices provided on the units and will be granted compensatory time from that particular unit upon mutually agreement of the Government and the HCWs.  Government personnel required to train the HCWs is not sufficient during night shifts; therefore, unit orientation/training must occur during three day shifts. 
  
The Assistant Director Nursing Services will supervise the HCWs.
  
Duties: LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE
 
Ensure patient care is carried out in accordance with the Standards of Nursing Care and the policies and procedures of the clinic.
 
Check patients into the clinic and triage using clinic guidelines.  Inform the nurse, physician extender or physician of the patient’s condition and potential problems.
 
Obtain and document patient and pertinent family history.
 
Perform a full range of diagnostic support duties which include taking vital signs, collecting specimens, obtaining, recording and tracking results of diagnostic tools.
 
Assist the physician in a variety of diagnostic examinations such as lumber punctures, colposcopies and sigmoidoscopies, by preparing, positioning and monitoring patients, and setting out and handling instruments and equipment.
 
Perform laboratory tests such as checking urine for sugar and stool for blood.  Record and report results.
 
Perform a range of treatment procedures that include sterile dressing changes, applying compresses, monitoring IV fluids, inserting catheters and suctions, inserting nasogastric tubes, administering medications, giving enemas, setting up and giving treatment that requires auxiliary equipment such as oxygen and suction. Ambulate patients to other areas to include Radiology, various clinics, and physical therapy.
 
Prepare patients for tests, examinations, treatments, and/or surgery.  Collect specimens such as urine, sputum and stool.  Label specimens for laboratory examinations and follow up by using CHCS, AHLTA or calling the laboratory for reports.  Alert provider to conditions which deviate from expected findings.
 
Prepare, start, monitor and discontinue intravenous fluids with accuracy and in accordance with established procedures.
 
Observe, report and document all observed symptoms, reactions, treatments and changes in the patient condition to the registered nurse, physician extender or physician.  Make careful observations to assess that nursing procedures and treatment do not cause additional distress.
 
Perform routine nursing care activities such as taking blood pressures, temperatures, baths and hygiene care, passing and removal of trays, changing of linen, and otherwise assist in the care of the physical needs of the patient.
 
Operate basic equipment required in delivery of patient care such as pumps, IV pumps, oxygen administration apparatus and incentive spirometers.
 
Execute physician’s orders within the guidelines of standard nursing practice. Ensure accurate medication is administered in correct form and dosage to the proper patient as directed by the physician.
 
Maintain records of nursing care, dose and time of medication administered, and indicate if the medication was not administered and the reason.
 
Administer immunizations in a safe and accurate manner with strict adherence to all NAVHOSP, NAVMED and CDC Immunization policies.
 
Recognize conditions which require isolation.  Ensure universal precautions are used in all patient encounters.
 
Recognize emergency situations and assist with, or institute emergency measures for sudden adverse developments in patients such as cardiac arrests.
 
Perform preoperative procedures for minor surgery, and fill out preop checklist.
 
Assist patients in admission, transfer, and perform discharge planning follow-up and documentation.
 
Support the patient and/or family members toward the achievement of treatment plan goals.  Provide instructions to the patient on invasive procedures, surgical procedures and post surgical conditions which were previously provided to the patient by a nurse, physician extender or physician.
 
Instruct patients on how equipment is used such as oxygen, suction, cardiac monitor and pule oximeter.  Instruct patients and family on use of prescribed medications, contraindications of medications, and the necessity of proper follow-up care.
 
Provide emotional support to patients and families.
 
Ensure necessary supplies are available and equipment is in functioning order.
 
Provide an orderly, clean and safe environment for patients and staff. 
 
Handle telephone information requests with courtesy, accuracy and respect for patient confidentiality.  Receive information and distribute messages as necessary.
 
Ensure maintenance and resupply of pharmaceuticals in the clinic.
 
Ensure upkeep and perform checks of emergency equipment i.e., oxygen, emergency cart, suction apparatus, etc.  and maintain appropriate logs.  Inform the Charge Nurse of and discrepancy on daily checks.
 
 
 plus the following additional requirement:
  
Demonstrate the ability to easily assimilate into military culture of family centered care in relation to care of war wounded, active duty, retired, dignitaries, and military family member population.